Rutherford County, TN - Former substance abuse addict and gang member in California Chris Sharpe shared his story of redemption, faith, and recovery to a full audience at the Rutherford County Correctional Work Center (RCCWC).
Sharpe was raised in the church and knew the bible but turned away from Christian principles early in life. He remembers crying himself to sleep at night because of his living situation. Substance abuse started at the age of 13 years old while smoking marijuana. He remembers his stepdad leaving the family that same year.
He spoke of his days in high school when he played football, but an anterior cruciate ligament ACL injury sidelined his dream of being a football star. To manage the pain, he started using Methamphetamine. That began Sharpe’s downhill spiral, where getting into trouble was like a revolving door. He spent three years in a correctional facility for assaulting a police officer. While in this facility, Sharpe began to rethink his previous behaviors and utilize the services available to reprogram his life.
His transformation has been compared to the metamorphosis of a caterpillar. Once homeless and eating out of garbage cans, Sharpe is free from substance abuse, a successful tattoo artist and business owner of Pure Heart Tattoo, husband, father, and mentor today. Every story and experience he shared during his presentation gave the listener insights that could be tailored to fit individual needs and motivate them to succeed. The simple instructions and one-liners shared like start defining what you don’t do, invest in yourself, stay in a position of learning or teaching, you are a sum of your habits, rituals, and routine, relationships are bridges; have the potential to catapult to success.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity to come and speak and share my experience, strength, and hope. 10 years ago, I was also in a correctional program that equipped me with people/volunteers and the tools needed to help my transition back into society. Transformation and restoration are possible for those individuals who are willing to try something new,” Sharpe said. “Thank you to the staff and the inmates for their hospitality and diligence in the restoration process. To be able to go back to a facility that believes that people help change people was a huge blessing. I’m thankful for the opportunity to come and share my story, how with help and guidance anyone can change.”
“Chris has faced obstacles at every stage of life and continually finds ways to overcome and be successful. I am so appreciative that he shared his testimony with all of us,” RCCWC Superintendent William Cope said. “His story is so inspiring that it challenges me to look at my own life and say, OK, where are your moments, what are your achievements and how can you be better.”
“Chris took the time out his busy schedule to come into our facility and be what is so needed to our residents, an inspiration,” said RCCWC Lieutenant Thad Oclaray.
Pure Heart Tattoo located at 1630 S Church St #117 in Murfreesboro will be hosting a 2nd year anniversary event on July 12-14 from noon to 8PM.
More information about the Correctional Work Center can be found at https://rutherfordcountytn.gov/correctional-work.
